Non-Immigrant Classifications

Each year, more than 35 million people come to the United States as non-immigrants.

A non-immigrant is a foreign national seeking to enter the U.S. for a temporary period of time and for a specific purpose or activity. The Immigration and Nationality Act includes more than twenty different non-immigrant classifications, most of have sub-classifications. All of the non-immigrant categories have alphabetic designations (A, B, C, D, etc.).

In general, foreign nationals seeking temporary admission to the U.S. must first apply for a visa at the American Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Citizens of Canada are, in most cases, exempt from the visa requirement. In addition, citizens of roughly thirty-five countries, including most European countries, Japan, Korea, Australia and a few others, are eligible to travel to the U.S. as visitors for business (B-1) or visitors for pleasure (B-2) without first obtaining a visa in their passport. This is referred to as Visa Waiver. Persons who enter the U.S. on Visa Waiver may not extend their stay or change to any other visa classification.

By far, the most frequently used non-immigrant classification is the B-2, or visitor for pleasure. Nearly 75% of all non-immigrant admissions are visitors for pleasure. This includes tourists and those coming for family reasons. Another 15% of all non-immigrant admissions are visitors for business. This includes persons coming to the U.S. coming to negotiate transactions, participate in trade shows and conferences, engage in meetings and consultations, meet with business associates and to engage in other activities related to their overseas employment. Visitors for business are not allowed to work in the U.S.

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Testimonials

I couldn’t recommend Matt Hirsch high enough for his work on my immigration matters all these years. Matt was first recommended to me by a friend in 2009 to help me with transfer from F1 (OPT) to H1B. Ever since Matt has been by my side through various visa transfers and status changes. Always thorough, always working in my best interest, always up to date with requirements and possibilities, he has kept me legal and employable in the US for 4 years (and that’s not an easy job if you knew me I would also like to commend Matt on the work he has done for my friends. Thanks to his knowledge and ability to navigate immigration and business matters, 2 of my friends have received their H1Bs and 1 friend got her green card! Forever grateful Matt!Maria N., October 42013

I know Matthew for the past 8 years. Matthew has helped me with many immigration requirements including several H1B applications and a green card application. Matthew understands the immigration process and can handle complicated immigration cases with confidence.Ranjan D., May 202013

I first came to know Matthew 2 years back. I was moving to USA on a job assignment and he and his efficient team helped me with my visa process. Thereafter he has been helping me and my family with different visa and immigration related matters and we can not imagine having gone through this ordeal without his valuable inputs and meticulous work. Thanks to him that I am a legal permanent resident of USA in less than 2 years since he started working on my work permit. Do I need to say anything more?Pinky P., May 172013

Matthew Hirsch widely known as Matt was introduced to me by past employer. Matt helped me in getting my work and depended visas renewed on time. Matt helped us in getting Permanent Resident Cards. Matt is very personable, very through and detailed oriented. Matt is consistent in delivering timely and quality work. I highly recommend Matt for any immigration matters.Balakrishna D.

Matt and his team offer a level of service that is credible, prompt and flawless. He supported my permanent residence application over several months and was always supportive and responsive. Great job!Riyaz V.

“Matthew Hirsch has been our immigration lawyer and he did an excellent job along with his team. My family and I are very happy with the results and we can recommend him to anybody with immigration problems. His advice was always accurate, always on time and always polite. Thank you!”Zikri B.December 2012

“Matt has worked on several Visa petitions for myself and my wife in the O-1 category and most recently on our successful permanent residency petition. Matt is extremely meticulous and helped us every step of the way. I would recommend anyone looking for an immigration lawyer in any category and certainly any foreign athlete looking to stay here in the US to give Matt a call.”Max S./Marina M.March 2013

“My husband is an interventional cardiologist who self sponsored his GC through the EB1 category. He had approached Matthew Hirsch in the year 2011 for help. I have known Matthew for less than a year now. Matthew and his associates have demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and can develop trusting relationships with everyone they work with. Matthew had detailed knowledge of the subject and had good analytical skills. He had been available and quite patiently listened to our concerns or queries. He built confidence in us and got speedy results for us. He had guided us well through the entire course and we have been quite impressed with him. His entire staff has been very co-operative and friendly. I would definitely recommend Matthew Hirsch to all my friends and family.”Anisha B./Surya A.March 2013

“I have worked with Matthew throughout my entire journey of becoming an American citizen. From my student visa, through H1-B, permanent residency and finally Citizenship. Throughout my career I have worked both independently and for major US corporation. Matthew helped me, my employees, partners and colleagues and was also retained by my former employers after my departure in more than one occasion.
I have found Matthew to be very reliable, expert and trustworthy in delivering his services. I did and I will keep recommending his services to anybody who seeks to establish legal status in the US.”Massimo T. October 292012

“I have been working with Mr. Hirsch for several years, and he has proved to be very professional, knowledgable and personable. I would highly recommend him to friends and families.”Basem S. October 242012